Spring 2008 Report

Darren O'Neil

I would like to thank all those who have expressed their good wishes to me in my new position as Secretary-Treasurer.  I would also like to express my appreciation to former Secretary-Treasurer Mike Mauermann for his service to the membership as a Business Agent, Executive Board Member and Secretary-Treasurer. 

In the past few months we have settled some very important agreements both locally, area-wide and national-wide , the UPS and National Master Freight agreements were well received by the membership and have good improvements in pension, wages while maintaining good health & welfare plans.   Several of our counties and cities have settled multi-year agreements, and negotiations continue with many others. Several other contracts both private and public will open in the next few months, so watch for your meeting notices.

We continue to struggle for a settlement at National Frozen Food Corp, but as of this writing we are back at the table after settlement of several Unfair Labor Practice Charges.  We are also in bargaining with Ocean Spray and our local cartage companies.

I would like to welcome Olympic Ambulance and Twin Transit employees to the Local, both recently voted for representation, and negotiations are on-going. 

We at the Local would like to thank all of you who supported those members affected by this winter's flooding and windstorms.   Locally approximately $25000.00 was distributed to about 38 members from donations received at the Local and an additional $12,000 was sent from the IBT to aid Local 252 members.  While it is off the news, the rebuilding in this area continues and all the help was and is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Darren O'Neil, S/T